Dong Nai Province near Ho Chi Minh City has assured that despite a predicted loss of 10,000 to 15,000 jobs this year, the situation is reasonably good.

The head of its Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, Le Thi My Phuong, said “things are not that bad,” adding that the province is working hard to help workers and there is still a demand for around 15,000 workers.

Dao Ngoc Hoang, head of the department’s Office of Labor Policy, said 55 businesses, mostly in the electronics, wood processing and footwear sectors, have axed more than 8,400 jobs.

But most of them have found other jobs, he said, adding some companies even came to the gates of factories laying off people, looking to hire.

Phuong said, “The good news is that 10 shoe factories who subcontract for Nike have announced they will keep their 120,000 workers.”

Workers at some other companies have negotiated deals with their employers, agreeing to work fewer hours and not ask for a raise, she said.

“We know around 800 workers in a company based in the Bien Hoa Industrial Zone accepted lower salaries after learning the company was planning to eliminate their jobs,” she said.

Several companies in Dong Nai are still recruiting, including Hwa Seung Vina in Nhon Trach District which wants 2,000 workers and Scavi Vietnam Company which is looking to add 5,000 workers for its plants in Lam Dong Province, Hue and Laos.

According to the department, 88,000 jobs were created in the province last year, reducing the unemployment rate to 2.8 percent.

A job fair will be held on February 10 where companies can hire workers directly. (TN)